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Overview

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a gripping yet poignant novel about a 12-year-old boy and his dog who become trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina.

Zane Dupree is a charismatic 12-year-old boy of mixed race visiting a relative in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hits. Unexpectedly separated from all family, Zane and his dog experience the terror of Katrina's wind, rain, and horrific flooding. Facing death, they are rescued from an attic air vent by a kind, elderly musician and a scrappy young girl--both African American. The chaos that ensues as storm water drowns the city, shelter and food vanish, and police contribute to a dangerous, frightening atmosphere, creates a page-turning tale that completely engrosses the reader. Based on the facts of the worst hurricane disaster in U.S. history, Philbrick includes the lawlessness and lack of government support during the disaster as well as the generosity and courage of those who risked their lives and safety to help others. Here is an unforgettable novel of heroism in the face of truly challenging circumstances.

Product Details

About the Author

Rodman Philbrick’s most recent novel, THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG, received numerous awards and was chosen as a Newbery Honor Book. His first book for young readers, FREAK THE MIGHTY, was an immediate bestseller and continues to be a classic, with close to three million copies in print. His highly acclaimed titles include THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SEA; THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE; and THE FIRE PONY. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and Florida. Visit him at www.rodmanphilbrick.com.

Editorial Reviews

★ 11/25/2013In August 2005, 12-year-old Zane Dupree reluctantly travels to New Orleans with his dog Bandy to visit Miss Trissy, his paternal great-grandmother. Zane is biracial and knows nothing about his late father’s side of the family; he acquires some pieces of the puzzle—that his father ran away from home, and his uncle “got hissef killed”—but gaps remain. Hurricane Katrina arrives, and mandatory evacuation is announced, but on a bus out of town, Bandy escapes and Zane follows him back to Miss Trissy’s house. They are rescued from the surging water and relentless heat by Malvina Rawlins, a girl Zane’s age with a stream of corny jokes at her disposal, and her elderly guardian, musician Trudell Manning. Zane’s first-person account is tense and authentically youthful as the group paddles through the flooded streets of New Orleans seeking refuge. Philbrick (The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg) vividly portrays the destruction and multitude of threats facing citizens stuck in the city, along with undercurrents of racial and social tension that didn’t wash away with the levees. Ages 10–14. Agent: Dominick Abel, Dominick Abel Literary Agency. (Feb.)

FREAK THE MIGHTY 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITIONPublished September 2013 in hardcover, featuring thirty-two pages of commentary by the author

THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGGA Newbery Honor BookA Kentucky Bluegrass Award NomineeAn Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award WinnerA New York Public Library's CHILDREN'S BOOKS 2009--100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARINGA CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2010* "The book wouldn't be nearly as much fun without Homer's tall tales, but there are serious moments, too, and the horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE SEAA Capitol ChoiceA Cooperative Children's Book Center ChoiceA SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL Best Book and starred review"Readers will be hooked."--KIRKUS REVIEWS

THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSEA Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the YearA VOYA Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror BookA National Council for the Social Studies NCSS Notable BookA YALSA Best Books for Young Adults"Philbrick has outdone himself. . . . . this futuristic novel will stimulate thought and discussion among contemporary readers."--VOYA

THE FIRE PONYA Capitol ChoiceA Maryland Children's Book Award Winner* "Crisply eventful, pungent in its descriptions, crackling with action, Philbrick has created a real dilly of a novel."--KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

School Library Journal Starred ReviewA boy’s visit to meet his great-grandmother for the first time turns into a nightmare when Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. Twelve-year-old Zane has not known many family members other than his mother; after she makes contact with his deceased father’s grandmother, Zane travels to the oppressively humid city. When New Orleans is placed under a mandatory evacuation, Zane and his great-grandmother leave with his dog, Bandy, and her pastor; when Bandy is spooked by growling Dobermans, he leaps from the car, followed by Zane. Zane and Bandy endure the hurricane’s landfall and the failure of the levees at his great-grandmother’s house until they meet a young girl, Malvina, and her guardian, Tru. The trio canoes through the snake-infested waters seeking assistance. Arriving in a neighborhood protected by privately hired security forces leads to vicious threats from the armed guards, who are loading helicopters stuffed with rugs and other expensive items. After their canoe is stolen, they head to the chaos of the Superdome and eventually to a bridge connecting the city to Algiers, in which they hope to find Tru’s cousin. Vivid descriptions of the toxic waters, the commotion at the Superdome, and racial tension are handled factually yet sensitively. Information about unique New Orleans customs, including “jazz funerals,” its history of biracialism, and accents are occasionally inserted. The fast bond among Zane, Malvina, and Tru is believably drawn. A time line and facts about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath are included.

From the Publisher

★ 02/01/2014Gr 5–8—A boy's visit to meet his great-grandmother for the first time turns into a nightmare when Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. Twelve-year-old Zane has not known many family members other than his mother; after she makes contact with his deceased father's grandmother, Zane travels to the oppressively humid city. When New Orleans is placed under a mandatory evacuation, Zane and his great-grandmother leave with his dog, Bandy, and her pastor; when Bandy is spooked by growling Dobermans, he leaps from the car, followed by Zane. Zane and Bandy endure the hurricane's landfall and the failure of the levees at his great-grandmother's house until they meet a young girl, Malvina, and her guardian, Tru. The trio canoes through the snake-infested waters seeking assistance. Arriving in a neighborhood protected by privately hired security forces leads to vicious threats from the armed guards, who are loading helicopters stuffed with rugs and other expensive items. After their canoe is stolen, they head to the chaos of the Superdome and eventually to a bridge connecting the city to Algiers, in which they hope to find Tru's cousin. Vivid descriptions of the toxic waters, the commotion at the Superdome, and racial tension are handled factually yet sensitively. Information about unique New Orleans customs, including "jazz funerals," its history of biracialism, and accents are occasionally inserted. The fast bond among Zane, Malvina, and Tru is believably drawn. A time line and facts about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath are included.—Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

School Library Journal

★ 2013-12-01An appropriately serious and occasionally gruesome tale of surviving Hurricane Katina, buoyed by large doses of hope and humor. Twelve-year-old Zane Dupree, a New Hampshire native, is on his first visit to his newly discovered Grammy in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina forces them to evacuate. On the way out of the city, Zane's dog jumps out of the van, and Zane follows, soon finding himself back at his grandmother's house alone with the storm quickly closing in. When the winds die down, rising floodwaters force Zane into the sweltering attic, from which he is rescued by local musician Tru and his spunky charge, Malvina. The three embark on an epic adventure--skirting dead bodies and poisonous snakes in the floodwaters, making it to the Superdome only to realize there is no help to be had there, escaping a drug dealer intent on capturing Malvina and attempting to cross the guarded bridge to Algiers. Careful attention to detail in representations of the storm, the city and local dialect give this tale a realistic feel. Zane's perspective as an outsider allows Philbrick to weave in social commentary on race, class, greed and morality, offering rich fodder for reflection and discussion. This compelling story of Katrina is like the floodwaters it describes: quickly moving, sometimes treacherous and sometimes forgiving, with a lot going on beneath the surface. (Historical fiction. 10-14)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina 4.7 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
6 reviews.

InTheBookcase

More than 1 year ago

Zane Dupree, a boy from New Hampshire, is visiting relatives in Louisiana when a disastrous storm strikes: Hurricane Katrina. The tragedy leaves his life forever changed, but it allows readers a glimpse of the details of the horrific tragedy. But Zane knows nothing of the forthcoming tempest.
His father died before Zane was born. When, out of the blue, word arrives that his father's relatives are living in the New Orleans area, Zane's mom is eager for him to meet his great-grandmother, Trissy. He sets off on his summertime journey, although without much enthusiasm about making the trip. At least Bandit, his trusty dog, will be with him. Soon after, the fatal winds start to pick up in the Gulf Coast.
The aftermath of the 2005 hurricane, as told in the book, sound pretty gruesome sometimes, especially for younger readers, I'd expect. Through Zane's eyes, you are centered in the midst of the chaos and trauma, with horrible sights and smells, particularly in concerning the lives that Katrina took. I think for many readers, the scenes are eye-opening to the intensity of the hurricane situation and the wreckage it produced.
&quot;Zane and the Hurricane&quot; is a story of triumph through tragedy. It shows how, when in the depths of despair, banding together with the people around you can lead to great victory. It is the story of the human instinct for survival.

Tammy Lee Bradley

More than 1 year ago

A Newbery Honor book about Zane Dupree, a 12-year-old boy of mixed race, and his dog who accidently become separated from his great grandmother and become trapped in the flood waters of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
A well-written page-turning account of bravery and kindness. Thought-provoking yet age appropriate. A perfect selection of parents looking to introduce their middle-age readers to this historic event and the human element of natural disaster.
Extra information is provided by the author at the end of the book regarding the actions (and lack of action) by the federal government which can be used for further discussion and debate.
4 1/2 stars!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Good book

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Wenalt followed the men to the village. It wasn't really a village, but a lot of mud/clay houses with children playing hide-and-seek in them. "See, our village is very basic," the man told Wenalt,"But we have very good farming and food. We also, have, of course, healthy horses." Then the man laughed. "I'll lead you to the horse barns to show the horse you'll be riding on. A guide will lead you to the Topi Lands, though he will stop and ride back at the edge of the border. We people are forbidden to go beyond that border!" The man led him to the horse stall. Many of the animals neighed. Wenalt thought about something. Maybe Wenalt had found the same trail Mantala did so maybe Dion could find him.

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